Christchurch's Churches

Pictured here are the Cathedrals of Christchurch, New Zealand. At the top is the Catholic Cathedral and below is the Anglican Cathedral. The Anglican is at the very center of the town and has a large square with markets and street performers. Apparently the Catholics weren't too happy about the Anglican church being the center of attention and built a Cathedral to rival its grandeur. Either way, it is quite impressive to find such large, elaborate churches in a town with only 750,000 people.

We're Outta Here!!!

Sarah and I have completed our programs at the University of Auckland. We now have Post-Graduate Diplomas in Science. We are leaving Auckland tomorrow to spend some time on New Zealand's South Island.

Pictured is the University of Auckland's Clock Tower, an electric bus (which is free to ride), and Sarah walking away from the university...forever!

Auckland Fireworks

The Indian Festival of Lights (Diwali) was this past weekend and concluded with a nice fireworks display. The festival was held at the Auckland Viaduct. Sarah and I went to the festival and enjoyed some great food and interesting sights. After visiting the festival, we took a ferry across the harbour to Devonport. This picture was taken at about 10:15pm near the Devonport wharf where we were waiting for the last ferry of the day. (The Sky Tower is pink because it is Breast Cancer Awareness Month.)

Ghost in the Cave

Sarah and I explored the caves of North Head in Devonport. The caves were part of a network of military defenses that protected the Auckland Harbour.

Happy Together

Sarah and Geoff by the fountain at Mission Bay in Auckland. Special thanks to Gino who took this picture and also edited it.

Russian Acrobatics

Albert shows off his skills with a back flip.

Spuds MacKenzie's Cousin Larry

This was one chilled out dog. Taken on the beach at Mission Bay in Auckland.

Michael Joseph Savage Memorial

The Michael Joseph Savage Memorial at Bastion Point in Auckland, New Zealand.

Stray Possum Lodge

The Stray Possum Lodge at night on Great Barrier Island. I stayed here during my field trip to the island. Note the Southern Cross constellation in the center of the photo.

Hauraki Sunset

Sunset over the Hauraki Gulf near the Noises Islands.

Great Barrier Island

Here are a few pictures from Great Barrier Island.

Port Fitzroy

Taken from the Glenfern Sanctuary near Port Fitzroy on Great Barrier Island.

Tip of the Coromandel

Pictured here is the very northern tip of the Coromandel Penninsula.

Dolphins!

I took these pictures from the ferry in the Hauraki Gulf on my way to Great Barrier Island. They came right up to the boat and demanded our attention. There was also a whale out in the distance, but it was too far to capture with the camera.

Sea Creatures

Auckland City

Auckland as seen from the top of Rangitoto Island.

Ascending Among Green and Blue

Rangitoto Wharf

Sarah's dad came to Auckland this week because he had to pick up a plane that was undergoing maintenance here in New Zealand. (He is a pilot for Hawaiian Airlines.) We all had a free day to spend together, so we decided to hike to the top of Rangitoto Island. Pictured is the wharf where the ferry dropped us off along with the top of the volcano seen in the distance.

Spirit of New Zealand

I took this picture of Rangitoto Island from a ferry. The Spirit of New Zealand barquentine ship can be seen as well. The Spirit of New Zealand is a training vessel for teenagers.

Columns Revisited

Old U.S. Capitol Building columns now located in the National Arboretum in Washington, D.C. (I took this picture about a year ago, but I recently got new photo editing software and liked the way this one came out...)